Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is releasing $205,253 to assist border law enforcement agencies.

Bingaman secured the funding in the fiscal year 2008 spending bill that funds the Department.  The Southwest Border Law Enforcement Alliance will share the funds among five sheriff's departments – Doña Ana, Luna, Hidalgo, Grant and Otero – as well as the Columbus Police Department. 

            "By their proximity to the border, these law enforcement agencies have unique problems to confront, such as narcotics trafficking and destruction of private property.  I secured this funding to help them deal with these serious issues," Bingaman said.

            Bingaman is working to secure $375,000 for the Southwest Border Law Enforcement Alliance in a fiscal year 2009 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) spending bill.